TEASER:“Damn it,” she swung back around. “You let
him get away. I wasn’t finished with him yet.”

“I was protecting you.” She almost melted
into the ground as his deep voice washed over her.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t need help.” Realizing
how ungrateful that sounded, she shook off her disappointment. “Look, I
appreciate what you were trying to do, but I didn’t need any help.”

“He had a weapon pointed at you.” His logic
just ticked her off.

“I could have disarmed him. I can take care
of myself.” She turned and started walking back down the alley toward the
light, sheathing her weapon as she went. Her mind was already planning her next
move.

There was no sound, no warning at all. One
minute she was almost out of the alleyway, the next, her back was up against
the wall, her hands trapped in his. He lowered his head until his forehead was
all but touching hers. The scowl on his face left no doubt that he was angry
with her. Leaning even closer, he whispered, “Can you now?”